Australian selectors have chosen two fresh faces for the squad to tour Europe, including Ireland, and South America later this year. Australian under-21 and Canberra Vikings flyhalf Matt Giteau has been selected for the tour as a third scrumhalf, while newly signed Waratahs hooker Adam Freier will be Jeremy Paul's understudy.
National Coach Eddie Jones said the selections of Giteau, who turns 20 on Sunday, and Freier is an exciting step towards the future. "We have a two-tiered approached to selections," said Jones. "We need to pick proven players who can win test matches but at the same time we must bring through new talent that could play a role in next year's World Cup."
Giteau said the tour honour caps off a big year for him. "A lot has happened to me in 2002 but to be part of this tour is completely unexpected," said Giteau. "I know George Smith is pretty happy too considering he's no longer the youngest player on tour and doesn't have to baby sit the Wallaby mascot."
Selectors opted for a third scrumhalf to cover for Wallaby skipper George Gregan who is scheduled to fly home during the tour to attend the birth of his second child. "Family comes first and George is a great family man and he has the full support of the ARU when the time comes for him to leave the tour and return for the birth," said John O'Neill, ARU Managing Director.
The 27-man Vodafone Wallabies squad will assemble for two camps before flying out on October 25 for Buenos Aires.
Australian squad: Matthew Burke [vc](Waratahs); Matt Cockbain (Reds); David Croft (Reds);Ben Darwin (Brumbies); Owen Finegan (Brumbies); Elton Flatley(Reds);Adam Freier (Waratahs); David Giffin (Brumbies); Matt Giteau (Brumbies); George Gregan [c](Brumbies); Justin Harrison (Brumbies); Daniel Herbert (Reds); Toutai Kefu (Reds); Chris Latham (Reds); Stephen Larkham (Brumbies); David Lyons (Waratahs); Stirling Mortlock (Brumbies); Patricio Noriega (Waratahs); Jeremy Paul (Brumbies); Mat Rogers (Waratahs); Wendell Sailor(Reds); George Smith (Brumbies); Nick Stiles(Reds); Ben Tune (Reds); Daniel Vickerman (Brumbies); Chris Whitaker (Waratahs); Bill Young (Brumbies).
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
